The Purple Tornado volleyball team. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH- What might just be Chenango County’s best kept secret, is a secret no-longer. Entering the night as the third ranked team in Class B volleyball, the Norwich Purple Tornado swept the Vestal Golden Bears in straight sets on Wednesday night to advance to the program’s first Southern Tier Athletic Conference championship game..

The Tornado overcame a slow start early in the first set, finding themselves in an 8-6 hole to Vestal, the sixth ranked team in Class A. Following an NHS timeout, Norwich’s offense roared to life defeating Vestal 26-24.

“We had a lack of concentration in the first game” said Norwich Assistant Coach Pete Komendarek on Norwich’s performance in the first game. “We called a timeout…we got refocused and we came out firing.”

Needless to say once the Tornado grabbed the momentum-they never gave it back.

The Purple clad ladies were absolutely dominant in their 25-15 game two win over the Golden Bears, setting up the sweep with a pivotal third game. The final game proved to be no different as the dynamic Tornado team dispatched Vestal 25-23.

“It was an absolutely great night for the girls” added Komendarek on the team’s victory, “To win against a team like Vestal, who is an exceptional defensive team and is a very well coached team…it’s a great accomplishment.”

Norwich’s Meg Lindridge led the team in digs with nine with teammate Maddy Morris recording eight digs of her own as the duo were the defensive stalwarts for the Tornado. Madisyn Ryan led Norwich in assists with 14, while Maddy Morris pitched in 13 assists as the Ryan-Morris tag team each took turns distributing the ball to their teammates.

Lauren Squires recorded a team-high 16 kills- providing an overwhelming amount of power on each of her finishes. Miranda Cole was second on the team in kills with 11, providing a secondary play-making threat for the Norwich offense.

The Tornado continue their journey into unchartered territory as they play perennial powerhouse the Horsehead Blue Raiders for the STAC volleyball crown. Norwich will travel to Horseheads High School to play the Blue Raiders tonight Friday October 29th with game-time slated for 6:00pm.

Norwich 3, Vestal 0

Game Scores: Set 1- Norwich 26 Vestal 24, Set 2- Norwich 25 Vestal 15, Set 3- Norwich 25 Vestal 23

Norwich: Meg Lindridge 1 aces, 1 assist, 9 digs; Maddy Morris 1 aces, 13 assists, 8 digs, 4 kills; Ioana Santos 3 kills; Lauren Squires 2 aces, 2 assist, 1 blocks, 6 digs, 16 kills; Madisyn Ryan 1 ace, 14 assists, 1 dig; Miranda Cole 6 digs, 11 kills.